New Honda City vs. Suzuki SX4

I have test driven both, City definitely has an edge over SX4 courtesy iVTEC. Here are my concerns - NHC is a bit pricey - about 1 lac more than a fully loaded SX4. Here are my priorities:

1. Durability - should run glitch free to about 7 to 8 yrs

2. Cost of spares

3. Frequency of maintenance

4. Safety

5. Brand value, looks, character

Please advise

Honda City has better engine/technology/performance. However, SX4 is also very good.  It can be considered as a VFM (value for money) when compared to City - in view of pricing vis-a-vis the package. The added advantage with SX4 is that it's more spacious/comfortable & has higher ground clearance. Handling & ride-quality of both the cars are good - City is better.

I'm not aware of service & maintenance cost/details but none are known to be very high - I think SX4 would be relatively cheaper than City.

What you gain in SX4 quickly through cheaper upfront price, you pay in installments at the fuel station. So it should be at par with Honda eventually.

Space is the only undeniable advantage I see with SX4, as well as higher clearance (useful to avoid those OUCH moments at road bumps!) but that advantage comes at a price - handling suffers.

SX4 spares may be cheaper, but Honda would require less frequent maintenance, so it evens out there.

Maruti has a wider network for sales and service, but likely Honda's would be better managed, no-hassles. So even there too.

So ultimately choice falls between refinement / FE (+ for Honda) and Space / Maruti advantage (+ for SX4)

Wotsay?

Old Honda City with i-DSI engine (78ps) has very good mileage of 12/13 in city.  Old HC with VTEC engine (101ps) returns 1 km of less mileage.  New HC with i-VTEC engine (118ps) returns another 1 km of less mileage. 

SX4 (102ps) gives mileage of 09/10 in city.  Therefore, there isn't much difference in the mileage of New City & SX4.

City has more refinement & brand value than SX4 has - true.  But, all in all, SX4 is a VFM (pricing & package).

Test-drive both the cars & go for the one that suits your budget & preferences the most. 

PS: Take the test-drives with family - for 2 reasons - (1) to have the feel of space/comfort; and (2) so that you are never blamed for the purchase in future

One small clarification - old really means 'new' and new really means 'all new' in Pankaj's post above. the official 'old' models are not available for sale anymore. (just differentiating the three generations of Honda City).

Currently, I think only Honda City 2008 i-VTEC engine (118ps) is available.

Honda City ZX with i-DSI engine (78ps) & VTEC engine (102ps) have been discontinued.

I still see the NHC (fish-faced) ZX / iDSI in the showroom of my dealer/ASS. Vtec version though is discontinued.

That's till stocks last.  Otherwise, it too has been discontinued (to the best of my knowledge).

Pankaj, Krishna, thanks for your suggestions. Very useful. Some facts - I was surprised to note there were no SX4s on display in some of the maruti showrooms I visited in Hyd. Hope they have not given up.. OR plan to bring a more improved version on the same platform. On a separate note, surprised why Honda brought out NHC a) without alloys - not even as a custom option; and b) no auto climate control which is a regular feature even for premium hatch backs now.

My SX4 zxi is giving me 14.8 to 14.9 kmpl in city with traffic jams and with ac.I doubt new City gives any better.SX4 with its 16 inch radials ,superb tyres,ABS give complete control in all situations.Power is very good in local as well as highway.Ground clearance is great and you do not have to be extra careful about  pot holes and breakers.What finally clinched the decision in favour of SX4 in my case is its seating configuration with upright seats and substantial head clearance.THe City sets are a complete contrast,good only for shorties.It is a well known fact that Maruti spares and servicing  are best and the cheapest and Honda is no where near.See Autocar India magazine of March this year to see the difference yourself.Ask me anything specific you may like